Need advice
 

I am in the process of setting up my Surly LHT as a camping self supporting touring bike.

I like the classic aesthetic, so hope to use some items from VeloOrange.

What I am wondering is are these racks,
http://www.velo-orange.com/vochcofrra.html &
http://www.velo-orange.com/vocorawide.html, compatible with these panniers,
http://www.carradice.co.uk/panniers/...panniers.shtml & http://www.carradice.co.uk/panniers/...panniers.shtml

Does anyone have an experience with these? Any insights gratefully received.

Duncan

I'm old enough to remember when canvas/cotton duck was still a common material for panniers and bags. Carradice bags look great when creating a classic look for a bike. But IMO it is more show than go. In the real world a weekend of rain will make you wonder HTF anyone ever toured with these before synthetic bags came along.

I would also caution against going overboard with the "classic" look. I made the mistake of using Brooks leather bar tape on my last tour. The tape has absolutely no padding. I had numb hands for 5 weeks. There's also good things to be said about some of the "modern" stuff.

I love modern functionality, and don't want to make my own life unnecessarily uncomfortable. I like the look of some, carefully chosen classic-style components.

Luckily (or unluckily) Australia is in drought, so rain isn't something I have to worry about too much. Having said that, I just went out for coffee and got drowned.

It's been raining non-stop in Brisbane, so much so they are relaxing the water restrictions.